The Curse of Dragon Tail Island: A Pirate Fantasy Adventure

by Jonathan Nevair

A once-legendary pirate and his salty crew risk uncharted waters for a second chance at glory in this rollicking nautical fantasy.

Captain James R. Hawk, aka Trusty Jack, and his Salty Scoundrels are do-gooder buccaneers leaving a trail of merry mayhem in their wake. Their credo: ignore the corrupt laws of the Jewel Island's greedy regent and sail the tropical seas in search of enchanted treasure.

But when the royal navy teams up with a powerful mage, Trusty Jack’s sordid past catches up with him. Lost love, lost lives, and a lost ship haunt the legendary captain, none more than Marian, his once-betrothed. That’s when a cunning thief arrives from the mainland with a daring proposal. Will Jack muster his sea dog courage and sail through the illusion-filled mists to reach a forbidden island? The ghostly horrors and powerful curse at his destination will test more than his pirate mettle. He’ll have to weigh the price of gold against the risk of peril to himself, his crew, and those he loves… and face the rising tide of a haunting past.

The Curse of Dragon Tail Island: a witty and light-hearted tale of redemption, romance, and rogue justice.

Genres: Fantasy

423 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 20, 2026

About the author

Jonathan Nevair is an author and educator originally from Long Island, NY. After two decades in the classroom, he finally got up the nerve to write fiction.

His books have won numerous awards, including the National Fantasy Fan Federation Award (Neffy) for Best Novel (To Spy a Star, 2024), second place in the 2024 Valorious Awards (Stellar Instinct), and runner-up in the 2022 Indie Ink Awards under the category Writing the Future We Need (Jati’s Wager).

Jonathan lives in southeastern PA with his wife and rambunctious mountain feist, Cricket. When not writing and teaching, he spends his time chasing his dog through the woods and stargazing with dreams of walking in space.

Reviews

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Curse of Dragon Tail Island
By Jonathan Nevair
I started this before but waited. I wasn't ready for a pirate book that started like a cozy right then. I did restart reading a few weeks later, and I found I did enjoy it once I knew what I was looking at. It's a pirate book with adventures, great characters, and a mostly good plot.
I didn't like how certain characters are eliminated, but maybe it's just me.
I gave it 3.5 stars rounding up to 4 stars.

[Jamedi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally on JamReads

The Curse of the Dragon Tail Island is a standalone pirate fantasy adventure novel written by Jonathan Nevair. Not only we have a swashbuckling pirate adventure contained within this story, offering a healthy amount of worldbuilding details that make its setting to feel alive and vibrant, but also it goes a bit deeper than it is usual in the genre, mixing political intrigue and societal struggle into all, complemented with a diverse cast.

Fourteen years after being betrayed, Trusty Jack Hawk is contacted by gnomish thief, Scarlett; he had left that life, but the reward is too much to say no to this job: a chance to recover his beloved ship. Just a simple task: reunite his old crew (some of them from prison), get a magical dagger to fix a compass and navigate through the mists to find a legendary island where the dragon's blood can be found; nothing like doing the almost impossible to get rid of the rust.

A common element across Nevair's novels is the diversity of the cast, and this case isn't an exception. Not only Jack is an awesome character, a person who has been prey to his past, but who doesn't refuse the call to adventure, and at the end, a good person (as you can see by his credo), but also the rest of the Salty Scoundrels are quite interesting, especially with that touch of different fantasy races that could perfectly represent a DnD party, all with their own quirks and background. They all end up being relevant to the plot, feeling more than just filler characters in the background.

The worldbuilding kinda remembers to the classical Caribbean setting that is so common in the genre, but with fantasy elements; however, Nevair also manages to make this a more complex story, as he gradually introduces the political system and uses it to create a storyline about changing it and how all classes deserve a fairer society. The pacing is adequate, dividing the big quest into smaller tasks that serve to keep the group in movement, making the reading experience a really enjoyable one.

The Curse of the Dragon Tail Island is a fun and enjoyable novel, a pirate adventure perfect if you are looking for something in the style of Pirates of the Caribbean but with a more complex plot while still keeping the jokes. A great novel by Jonathan Nevair!

[K.E. Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yo ho ho and a bottle…or several…of rum! This book was a fun nautical adventure with pirates, political intrigue, a surprising amount of environmentalism, heists, and a hefty dose of fantasy. This was the first of Nevair’s books I’ve read, and I don’t think it’ll be my last.

This book encapsulates the motley crew trope. The crew of the Lady Luck is a loveable band of misfits with hearts of gold. While reading, I was reminded of Pirates of the Caribbean. Captain Jack Hawk, which to me is a nod to Jack Sparrow, is sought out by a plucky gnome to embark on a quest, reclaiming his ship and his former crew, while gaining new shipmates in the process–and also dismantling the government by the end. There are so many loveable charaters, but Sian the nocsi ended up being my favorite.

This story took a few unexpected turns for me, several of which were painful character deaths. They weren’t throwaway deaths, so their impacts were felt. I also enjoy second-chance romances, especially with older characters. The heists kept me on the edge of my seat, and the final dragon battle at the end gave the story that classic fantasy flavor.

The Curse of Dragon Tail Island is a great book for those seeking a nautical fantasy adventure.

[Rex Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit of a departure for a writer usually at home in SciFi worlds, but he takes to pirate fantasy like a bilge rat in the grog barrel. You have the usual Nevair gift for description and sense of place, and all the arr-Jim-lad quips and banter you could want, as a motley crew of adventurers – mostly non-human - set sail on a fantasy voyage. I like the throwaway Easter eggs – is that the Rhett Butler line from 'Gone With the Wind'? Oh yes it is - while the general air of mayhem and skullduggery keeps the plot moving at pace. Fans of Robin Hood, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Our Flag Means Death will feel very at home here, while the fantasy underpinning - orcs, mages, gnomes, sprites, dwarves - is sure to bring in others. And if you don't like, it's the plank for you my hearty.

[Allexus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pirate Adventure ✔️
High Risk, High Reward ✔️
One Last Job ✔️
Ragtag Crew ✔️
Found Family ✔️

A pirate crew, a cursed island, and a “simple job” that turns into anything but… this ended up being such a fun, easy-to-get-lost-in adventure.

We follow Jack, who’s pulled back into his old life for a chance to get his ship back, and from there it turns into a journey filled with magic, danger, and a crew that’s a little chaotic.

The crew was probably my favorite part. It really had that found-family feel, with a diverse group where everyone brings something different, and no one felt like they were just there to fill space. I liked how each character actually ended up mattering to the story.

Jonathan’s writing has that classic pirate feel, but with fantasy elements layered in. I also liked that it went a little deeper than I expected, with hints of politics and social structure without losing the adventurous tone.

Thank you Jonathan Nevair for giving me the opportunity to read your novel. This is a well-done adventure that I’d confidently recommend, especially if you’re looking for something with Pirates of the Caribbean vibes but with a fresh, creative twist.

[Beneathathousandskies · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Life takes us in strange directions, lass. Wasn’t my first choice, but I’m making the best of it.”

A pirate’s life for me indeed.

I LOVE this book, and I have from the moment I first read it (yes, I also love Pirates of the Caribbean and Black Sails…and still need to watch Our Flag Means Death, but the pirate love was already there). And this is very much as it says on the tin a pirate fantasy – there is the hoisting of colour, heists for both treasure and people, sea battles and pirate lore.

But…

But what I think really hooks me about The Curse of Dragon Tail Island, is that it is more than just a swashbuckling pirate adventure. Now, don’t get me wrong, I can happily ramble for days about all the worldbuilding and little details about the pirate elements; and I will a bit later. However, what I loved most about this book is that every element is a tangled web of political intrigue, and societal plotting – and that Nevair keeps the twists on that coming right until the very end, with one of my favourite scenes happening in the mists, bringing the past crashing right into the present.

The Jewel Islands is a vividly realised world, with ties sailing off the edge of the maps to other kingdoms and lands, and of course the mists; giving us that wonderful feeling that the events we are witnessing which are complicated tower of cards, all waiting to topple with a dragon’s wing, are actually part of a much bigger whole even if we only get glimpses of it. And as always, I love that feeling that you could travel beyond the edge of the page and find more or this world, especially with the sheer swell of potential and the future opening out that the ending gives us. And we get not one, but two maps – so bonus points there, because I am always here for more maps.

The Curse of Dragon Tail Island covers quite a time period and distance, with island hopping and even braving unknown waters; and yet what Nevair has built with that tangled web is a story that is ever connected to itself, to the world, and to the characters. Especially, as we see consequences playing out, sometimes immediately, and sometimes across the years – for people on both sides of the schemes that are colliding in this story. One choice. One set-up. One connection. What might seem only major in a character’s personal story, has ripples, that can cast up both treasure and danger elsewhere. But what this book also captures, is that nothing is set in stone, again on either side of the divide – luck, trust, second chances, and the ability to change tack to sail with the wind – is evident throughout the book; there are always choices – from the moment Jack surrenders at the beginning, to him and Bonnie being able to work together for a shared love of another person.

“James Hawk, the farm boy who became a pirate. Like a character out of a fairy tale.”

Trusty Jack in some ways can sound like that character out of fairy tale, or for those familiar with some olde legends of Sherwood Forest, someone right out of those mythical trees. Yet, in Jack, Nevair has created a man very much shaped by his life experiences. We see the impact that betrayals and loss, and stagnation have had on him; but we also see a spirit that has the strength to look for the silver lining, and the horizon at the edge of stormy weather. You can see the impact that his crew have had on him, that the people he has helped have had on him, just as much as you can see the weight that those who have hunted and betrayed him have; and it creates a character that you are compelled to root for. Even at the beginning when we see him justifiably hesitating to get involved with a cause that once he would have immediately championed, and not just because of the risk involved, but because of time, and loss, a very real feeling that it can be hard to step back into a life that was stolen from you.

Marian I think is possibly my favourite character, especially on the reread. As with Jack, we can see how she has been shaped by many of the same events as he has, albeit from a different viewpoint. With both direct and unknowing betrayal wrapped up in familial love and anger, both genuine and part wrapped up in intrigue. Her strength is similar to Jack’s but different, with a conviction rooted in a very down-to-earth clarity about herself, even while nursing the long hurt of her past with Jack, and about the world around her.

Even with the pirates doing what they can to help those impacted by the navy and the nobles, there is very much a sense of them and us; but with Marian, it’s like her presence knocks down those walls even if just for a moment, bringing everyone to the same level. We see it through her work as a healer, her stance against her family even before secrets are unveiled, and we see it in the chaos and catastrophe of the end game, when she is the one to unite opposing forces – not by absolving the past, but showing that everyone is on that level and that they need to be together whether friends and allies or enemies to protect what is more important. And that wouldn’t work as well coming from Jack, or any of the others, but is such an integral part of Marian that it works beautifully.

Their relationship is also handled beautifully, from past grievances and ‘betrayal’, to that wonderfully awkward well here we are together with years and choices between us, to nostalgia and longing and a rebuilding. To finally a second chance built on truth and understanding, and experience together; and what is even better is that they both have to adjust their views, their wants, and the people they were and are now. Nevair very much captures that delicate dance of old and new and second chances, and some of the moments between them are my favourites in the entire book.

Nevair’s characterisation though really shines through with the secondary cast. Big Rig and Lana are wonderful, and while they waltz with some of the stereotypes of robin hood myths and pirates, they are also very uniquely themselves, and in some ways a balance and a ballast to Jack himself. It is impossible to see Jack as the man he was at the beginning, and the man fourteen years later sailing into impossible odds, without seeing their influence and they are such a brilliant pair together, both spark and flint, and steadying force. Lana for me was such a fun take on a half-orc, but my favourite part is that we get to see so many of the hints, and little details of her past, and what happened to her while Jack was on Mayrotten Island get their moment to shine in the darkest moment.

Sian was a character that I had mixed feelings about at the beginning, I think more because her nature and mine would be at odds in some ways; and yet by the end I was so invested in her and of course that’s where the gut punch comes from – and there is a scene towards the very end that is both beautiful and painful in equal measures. Also, I love the nosci as a people, and again there’s that added element both to the worldbuilding but also that intrigue and genre blurring, because the environmental edge is most prominent through her and her people, even though Nevair sows seeds of it elsewhere, again building up that feel of interconnectedness.

Again, Scarlett and Doni were really well written. Both together and as individuals. Scarlett I find interesting because in some ways she was the outsider, but also the pebble that set the avalanche rolling, and we see how as with the main characters, loss and betrayal and found family and friendship, shape her and pull her very firmly into the events. Investing her in a way that gold never could. The relationship between those two had me both in stitches and rooting for them at the same time; and broke my heart entirely at one point.

These are all characters that we spend a considerable amount of time with; yet even the characters that are more fleeting leave such an impact thanks to how they are written. Even at the end I found myself wondering about those we had met briefly in the fight at Mayrotten island, Ashana is one of my favourites and the impact she had on the story was momentous in so many ways.

What I find fascinating as I write this review, was that briefly I was going to say we didn’t see perhaps enough of the Regent. Yet, I won’t say that – because there is power in being the source of the rot seeping beneath the surface and not being at the forefront of the confrontations. We had Rin and Bonnie, and Captain Pitch and the warden as some of the many faces of his reach through the islands; and it’s interesting that what we see of him is a personal scene dressed in performance. Fitting for the intrigue that he is the centre of, but also for how interconnected the characters, and the islands and the story are; and it adds weight to Marian and Bonnies’ actions.

I also loved that the stakes are very real throughout the book, from a death right near the beginning, to losses along the way. There is the swashbuckling element of the adventure continues, a boulder gathering speed as it moves downhill, but as with everything we get to see the impact of those losses – both personal, and wider impacting, play out not just in the immediate moment but throughout the story. And Nevair really cranks the handle on the stakes in the final part of the book; but in that way that makes people – and getting to see how the different characters, the different sides and viewpoints, have to react and choose in that pressure cooker adds a very human tension to a very fantastical catastrophe; and that entire final collision of characters and choices, and fate, is one that I couldn’t put down and had me on the edge of my seat all the way through.

I was onboard with this book from the moment I first heard Pirate Fantasy, especially with the influence of robin hood and D&D in the mix; and it was one of my most anticipated reads, and one of my top reads of 2025 as I got to read it early and has been a fantastic start to 2026 for fantasy books. It’s Nevair’s first foray into fantasy, but hopefully not the last, because he has taken the fantastic worldbuilding and multi-layered issues and genres we’ve seen across his previous body of work and really brought it to life in the fantastical here. The Curse of Dragon Tail Island was one of those books that wouldn’t get out of my head for a couple of weeks after I first read it, and there were so many little moments I found myself lingering on; and returning to it now in its final form I have fallen in love with it all over again. So, if you want a swashbuckling adventure, that is a lot more, with intrigue and found family and politics, and second chance love, and magic and dragons and a bad ass ship called R.I.P. Tide then I can’t recommend The Curse of Dragon Tail Island highly enough.

[WS_BOOKCLUB]

Take heed, ye landlubbers! Here there be adventure! Here there be surprises! Here there be heart! Okay, I suppose I’ll stop there because my pirate-ese is sadly lapsed. I’ll leave the lingo to the experts: mainly Trusty Jack and his Salty Scoundrels!

I had high expectations for this book, and I was not disappointed. The beginning immediately throws the reader into a life-altering moment. What happens explains Jack’s character and any hesitations he has while hinting at a past that comes into play later. It also leaves room for the expansion and growth that continues throughout the novel. After a time lapse, the story proper starts (in a tavern, no less), and so does the adventure.

The Curse of Dragon Tail Island is described as “The Pirates of the Caribbean meets Dragonlance”, and I have to say this description is apt. The Pirates of the Caribbean influence is readily apparent, with Trusty Jack continuing in the tradition of Jack Sparrow (although he is slightly less bonkers). His effortless charisma combines with a most likable crew, as he gathers together his found family for a high-stakes journey.

While Jack is an awesome character, it’s his back-and-forth interactions with said found family that really elevate this book for me. I personally loved Sian the bard, who happens to be a nocsi (I don’t want to give too much away, but the nocsi was otterly awesome), although I had a soft spot for Scarlett the gnome thief. Each member of the cast offers something irreplaceable. It’s one of the reasons that everything matters so much. The reader will immediately care for the well-being of the characters, rooting them all on in their escapades. When an author is willing to be mean to their characters, this becomes a risky, yet worthy, reaction.

The language is extremely piratey, so if that’s not your jam, you might not click with this book. That being said, the lingo never went over the top, and it’s completely appropriate for the story being told. Most importantly, it’s consistent. At no point does the language or writing voice shift out of perfect pirate mode.

The pacing is fantastic, moving quickly enough to keep things interesting without sacrificing plot or character development. That’s a hard juggling act, but author Jonathan Nevair made it seem easy. That’s the thing with a story such as this: a deft pen (or what have you) makes the difference between a fun nod to pirates and a truly great book.

And make no bones about it: this is a truly great book. The Curse of Dragon Tail Island was exactly what I was hoping for: a book that is chock full of great characters and exciting adventures. Forget pirate booty: this book is the real treasure.

Highly recommended.

[Ziggy Nixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Risk and danger. Ain’t that a pirate’s life?

Avast me hearties and further such salty pirate talk! If ye be here for more of author Jonathan Nevair's scifi stories featuring his very own version of Jane Bond ('memberin' that she's a she) and adventures in outer space with tons of cool aliens, well, ye be full off course and sailing most untrue! However, if ye scallywags truly appreciate fine literature and are up for an absolutely spell-binding fantasy adventure featuring intrique, death-defying adventure, pirates, mages, dwarves, goblins, half-orcs, haunting specters and even singing magic otters (the nocsi, which are very cool!), then this is the place you have to be! Because "The Curse of Dragon Tail Island" starring Trusty Jack and his Salty Scoundrels will send all the bilge rats that have cursed yer bottom bits already this year running for the hills as you guffaw and cheer at such a wonderful tale!

You’ve got the look of one who has travelled far and wide in search of treasure.

OK, I'll stop with the pirate talk because believe it or not, I have no idea what I'm saying. No, not about the book, the, um, pirate dialect (yes, I had to google exactly what a bilge rat happened to be … though thankfully it's not nearly as rude as I expected!). Plus, I just really can't stomach rum, which as you'll admit, might have helped me along the way with this review. You see, this may in fact be my first ever pirate-oriented read that at least I can remember from the bow to stern of, um, the book. Sure, I've read stories where sailing a bit around the place was required to get back to the stabby bits but this is true blue pirating going on here. However, you just may begin to pick up on a slight twist of reference to some other tales that took place in a sherwoody forest, what with a certain hood stealing from the rich to give to the poor ("…despite being a pirate, he’s honest. And fair."). Especially once you meet the most fair Mage Marian along the way. Trust me: say that out loud if you don't get it!

We are never bound to others. Except through love.

Yes, our author has not only brought in some tried and true references to a tale any Kevin Costner fan would know (I joke because his version was AWFUL) but also created a land and history that shines just as bright as any supernova he's described in his earlier launched tomes. Plus this is without even considering the different realms of intrique we come across ("…this level of nuance and deceit was worse than a spring storm in a northern channel.") And as with the previous books I've read from this author, the tale shines brightest thanks to its very varied cast and the unique settings that we enter and leave, sometimes at our leisure, other times running for our very lives. And that still counts if I'm not a fan of sailing (tried it, hated it) or even the obvious inspirations found from D&D (I grew up too nerdy to even play THAT!). But fans of any kind of fantasy from A to whatever weird symbols the Golden Elves left behind will absolutely love this story.

Those gathered reflected on the complexity and cunning involved in the operation.

Sure the story takes a bit to catch the stronger crosswinds (is that a legitimate sailing term?) but only because this is a pretty big cast and it takes more than a little while to get properly acquainted with our main players, including the good, the bad, and the ethereal ("The dead don’t scare me. It’s the living I fear."). But just like his "Agent Renault" books, Nevair brings a kind of 'stardom' to each and every character if I can call it that that really had me thoroughly engaged with all that transpired. And yes, we cover the better part of 14 or so years - not counting all the historical bits that tend to be told via hanging tapestries or rare stained glass displays - and numerous islands along the way. So some time spent on explaining the bits between "he was, then he wasn't, now he is again" wind up making perfect sense ("Once legendary. Now? Just a man looking to get his ship back and find his freedom."). Is this a good point then to yell out "steady as she goes" and hope everyone is keeping up?

A nobody peasant trying to marry a princess? Fairy tale tosh, that is.

For me though, where I think Nevair shines the best is when he takes a nice, "normal" human person and puts them in very cool situations of interaction with other races and/or species and/or whatever the word I need here for aliens happens to be. I mentioned several of the different sorts we meet earlier, noting perhaps for my money, my favorite were the half-orcs (I just wanted to snuggle and gnaw on those tusks!)[P.S. NOT to be confused with jungle orcs which are somehow even more bad-tempered and not at all snuggly!]. Interestingly enough, we don't know what the other half besides orc is meant (yes, my imagination went a bit wild with that) but Lana came across as kind of my dream-girl in this story. OK, so she drinks like a fish, has a temper like a wolverine, and can punch through and/or jump over walls (and if you're curious: no, I didn't watch She-Hulk for the plot). But hey, no one will mess with her when you go out for dinner, will they? And yes, I'm sure all the half-elves were very nice, too (again, are we just assuming this is human + elf or…?) but I look better in green. Um, oops, that wasn't intended as a pun or euphemism… my bad. Oh, what will the innocent orphans think?

This was to be the final chapter in a saga a millennium in the making.

So if you're in the mood for a fantastic and very quotable fantasy read by an author that just flat out knows how to write an exciting story, then you definitely need to check this one out! And yes, at this point, I should mention that being from North Carolina, tales of pirating were a prequisite of my education and upbringing and by golly if anyone ever utters a discouragin' word against Blackbeard, I am required by state law to fill yer gullet full of tobacky and red clay! Anyway, it's time for me to shove off! Best o' readin' to ya landlubbers! And yeah, folks at sea too I guess which would be… sealubbers? No. Never mind, just read it on the ferry or while you're layin' out on the beach if you're so inclined.

[Bill Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Jack Sparrow, Will Turner, Elizabeth Swan, and Commodore Norrington were three sheets to the wind in their monthly DnD campaign, that’s what you’d get in Jonathan Nevair’s standalone pirate fantasy The Curse of Dragon Tail Island.

Fourteen years after a betrayal, Trusty Jack Hawk reemerges on the pirating scene when gnomish thief, Scarlett Tanesh, comes to him with a chance to reclaim his prized ship, Lady Luck. All it takes is breaking out some old friends from prison and a nuthouse, stealing a magical dagger to fix a broken compass, and sail through dangerous mists to find a mysterious island where the all-powerful dragon’s blood can be found. Shiver me timbers.

I mean it when I say that this book is straight out of the Pirates of the Caribbean, it truly feels like a part of that iconic film series, right down to the names of the characters, the broken compass, and the vibes. And like the first few movies, this book is just a lot of fun. You can tell Nevair had a blast writing this story.

Sure some of the pirate-speak was a little too on the nose at times, leaning a bit caricature, but Nevair has a gift for banter and dialogue. The crew, the Salty Scoundrels, are a treat. Their interactions with each other are hilarious and Nevair just drops line after line of witty comebacks and barbed shots, all laced with heart for one another. These characters fit the mold of pirate and DnD tropes to the T. And while that might cause some eyerolls, I think it was a smart move relying on tried and tested genre tropes, as it didn’t force Nevair to have to do a lot of exposition. The worldbuilding just sort of bleeds through these tropes with ease, allowing the world-specific stuff to just be front and center.

And while the action set pieces (prison break, heist, escapes, ship battles) all take up a lot of page time, it’s the quieter moments that really shine here. Amidst all this pirate action, there is a B plot of a regime change, and in the forefront is a royal-turned-healing mage who also happens to be Trusty Jack’s former betrothed. Plus there is a former lover of Scarlett who plays a role in this story. The emotional beats between these former romantic partners possibly rekindling things was really nice to read and really did offset the pirate hijinks, giving a balanced book of lightheartedness and seriousness.

The DnD races were fun adds. Your different types of elves and dwarves. Half-orcs and half-ogres. But there were some additional adds like sprites that turned up the fun. I really liked the bard Sian, who is a nocsi, which is a feline/otter-like creature who can use sea kelp to generate magic.

All in all, The Curse of Dragon Tail Island is exactly the pirate romp you’d expect it to be. Sometimes that is all you need in a read. Highly recommend this one.

*I received an advanced copy from the author in exchange for an honest review

[S. Bavey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shiver me timbers and swash those buckles!
'The Curse of Dragon Tail Island' by Jonathan Nevair was so much piratey fun! A heartwarming tale filled with love and a dedication to the romance of a pirate’s life at sea.

Trusty Jack, the captain of the Lady Luck, is an unusual pirate. I found him to be more like Robin Hood than Captain Jack Sparrow. His band of merry men is a collection of different races that seems more like a cast for a game of Dungeons and Dragons than your traditional group of scurvy dogs. They are each lovable in their own way. The drunkard half-orc Lana is the muscle of the group, as dedicated to her fellow crewmates as she is to finding Mollie’s Molasses, the best rum in the world. Big Rig, the dwarf quartermaster, is the saltiest seadog who can accurately tell compass point directions wherever he may be. Scarlett the gnome is an organised member of the Thieves Guild and the ‘fixer’ on this adventure. Mage Marian is Jack’s love interest and a powerful magic user. Like her namesake, Robin Hood’s Marian, she is fair of face and temperament, coming from a powerful family whose selfish values she has cast aside. Sian the bard is a nocsi, a race that believes strongly in preserving the environment and protecting the reef from which their food is harvested. Environmental protection is not the only cause championed by this group. They are also anti-taxation and pro democracy and are fighting to overthrow the current tyrannical regime.

The adventure involves them in action-packed prison breaks, meticulously thought-out heists, swordfights at sea, romantic liaisons, heartbreaking losses, and so much more, all with the aim of bringing justice and fairness to the Jewel Archipelago, while keeping some treasure for themselves. They are pirates, after all!

'The Curse of Dragon Tail Island' is the author’s first foray into fantasy fiction, but I hope it will not be his last! I devoured this book over a snowy and wet weekend. It was just the escape I needed.

I was given a paperback review copy of this book by the author. Thank you, Jonathan! My review is honest, and my opinions are my own!

[Angus_books_and_colourings · Rating 5 out of 5]

If youre not familiar with Nevairs work(and if so why not?😜) he is better known for what could best be described as spy-fi thrillers staring Agent Renault, but how he hold up in a fantasy setting?

Curse of Dragon Tail has a bit of a mystery feeling to it as well as captain James R Hawk aka trusty Jack receives a interesting offer from Scarett the Gnome and sets off to reassemble his crew for one more adventure...

Now there are some books that really scream "DND adventure!' To me, recent examples would be Dungeon Crawler Carl, the lost war and now Curse of Dragon Tail, the gathered group screams found family(one of my personal favourite tropes) and all bring thier own quirks and fun personalities to the show, Big Rig the dwarf, Lana the hall orc, Marian the healer... I can really imagine a group of friends sitting around a table with all these personas each written up in their minds

Marian in particular was a favourite to me. The once love of Jacks life as a child of nobility, Her story is wrapped up in family politics, her conflicting feelings for Jack and his goals...

And the world building oh yes,it is as you may guess from the name Trusty Jack, very much a tribute to Pirates of the Caribbean with plenty of piraty lingo and well described environments, Nevair has really put his work in here...

If this is what we expect from any future runs into fantasy by Jonathan, then I would be strongly in favour of more please 😊

[Andrew Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A swashbucklingly good read!

Already an established sci-fi author, I knew from the outset that Jonathan's first foray into piracy would be a blast, and it's all I expected and more. The relationships between the crew are this novel's secret treasure - Trusty Jack and his crew have bonds and banter that are both heartwarming and hilarious, and I was rooting for them all throughout their quest across the treacherous seas. The story races along like a galleon at full sail, pulling readers helpessly along in its wake.

In such a weird, wonderful world, full of our favourite fantasy races and magical happenings, nothing is ever quite predictable, as our heroes race against time to uncover the secrets of a myserious, deadly island before an evil regime dooms them all. Personal struggles are challenged and ancient loves reunited in a salty typhoon of fun. Highly recommend this book for anyone who's ever read Treasure Island and said, "I want more of this!"

Five jolly rogers raised for this one!

[Stacey Markle · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating is 4.25
Ahoy matey!
What a fun read! Full of pirate fun, found family and sea faring adventure, the author spins a yarn that enchanted me from the first page.
Not without sad losses and what appeared to be all the fates against our ragtag crew, Trusty Jack, Scarlett, Mage Marian and the others sailed toward Dragon Tail Island...cursed and impossible for anyone to find...and survive.
This was a grand tale with really great characters that I loved. A little over the top with the pirate jargon but it was charming overall. I always am thrilled when the second chance love trope is used and it's done so sweetly here.
I liked that it was a sort of retelling of Robin Hood and had a few clever nods to some famous characters in the story, but it was a story of it's own instead of a copy.
I would watch this if it were a movie!

Thank you to the author for this advance review copy!

[Dani Finn · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a D&D-inspired pirate adventure with all the magic, intrigue, and heave-hos, this is the book for you. This isn’t new territory, but it’s familiar territory done with joy, sure to please fans of all ages (it would be fine for an older middle grade reader). There’s a bit of light romance, nothing too steamy, with a bonus for the characters being on the older side.

My only issue was that we spent more than half the book on the getting-the-old-crew-together part; while there was adventure and intrigue enough in that section, I would have enjoyed spending more time on the main adventure.

That said, if you love D&D, piracy, and pirate-talk, this is the book for you.

[Paige Chamerlik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Jonathan for the ARC paperback!
This was such a fun adventure. It hit every mark for my D&D loving soul. With cozy fantasy vibes, heists x3, amazing and distinct side characters, and a second chance romance I enjoyed every chapter.

The only thing keeping it from 5⭐️ for me were elements in losing some of our side characters. As much as I enjoyed them, I was missing a gut punch feeling and a finality to the losses. Although Siân almost got me misty eyed with the boat carving at the end.

I will definitely be picking up any other fantasy books from Jonathan 🏴‍☠️

[Peter Hartog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of reading an ARC and let me tell you that this story brought out all the fun a swashbuckling adventure should have. From the vivid archipelago, to the colorful characters, the danger, the banter, the romance, the magic, the high seas, this story has it all and then some. Highly recommended!

[Nancy Wallis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventure on the high seas, charming and endearing fantasy characters, a good amount of comedy, a bit of sadness and a rekindled romance. I especially enjoyed the pirate’s dialogue and phrases and the nautical accuracy. A fun read that I couldn’t put down!

[Adam Bassett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Curse of Dragon Tail Island is simply great, lighthearted fun. The novel blends pirates with classic fantasy, all in a Robin Hood style package. Read the full review on .

[Al · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid light-hearted pirate tale. Very enjoyable listen. Not overly complicated and yet had relatable characters and story plot.

[Geetha Krishnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I signed up for this ARC for two reasons. First, I liked the blurb, second, the author was like, leave a review sometime in this century.
That decided me. Because I can absolutely, totally, completely, leave a review this century. Not that it took that long, in the end.
To quote the book's blurb, "Captain James R. Hawk, aka Trusty Jack, and his Salty Scoundrels are do-gooder buccaneers leaving a trail of merry mayhem in their wake. Their credo: ignore the corrupt laws of the Jewel Island’s greedy regent and sail the tropical seas in search of treasure, freedom, and adventure."
When the story opens, we see Trusty Jack about to attack what looks like a merchant vessel, with the help of an Elven mage he picked up. Except nothing is as it appears, and Trusty Jack and his crew are captured by the royal navy who imprison his officers while condemning him to the sea.
More than a decade later, Trusty Jack is in an island, drowning in ale and self-pity when an intrepid Gnome finds him to help her get a treasure from a cursed Island. She offers him a chance to get back his ship and crew, and a chance to get back at the man who framed him and destroyed his life years ago. The same man who would be crowned as king if Jack did nothing, The catch? The man is also the father of Marian, Jack's one true love, who he was forced to leave behind, letting her believe the worst of him.
Marian is a healer mage now, and is working to help the poorer people of the city. The beginning of a plague has her worried, but when news comes of someone from the past she believed dead, Marian doesn't know whether to be glad or sad.
Marian holds the key to the compass Jack and his crew needs, but how can he make her trust him again?
This was a fun read, though it had its heart wrenching moments. The author's notes say he was influenced by the legend of Robin Hood and that shows in the narration, where he has portrayed Jack as a pirate who steals from the rich and gives to the poor, and Mage Marian whose name is rather on the nose.
The bad guy is just as bad as the villain in the Robin Hood stories but dialled to the max and with more power. I hated him so much and not in the fun way.
This was a wholesome adventure with pirates, magic, dragons, curses, romance, and a host of characters you'll love to cheer for. If that looks like something you'll enjoy, grab it today.

[Lesley Bennett-Chaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is available on Grimoire Ink Reviews

Arrrrrr me hearties! Here be the review for this ‘ere book, and it gets a well deserved 4.5* from me!!!

This is a standalone fantasy, with all things pirate…and it’s real swashbuckling adventure, reminiscent of Robin Jood, and Pirates of the Caribbean.

The author has created a wonderfully fun & vivid world for us, full of rum swigging pirates alongside ancient evil and magic.

Trusty Jack is cast overboard from his ship after he’s betrayed, and some 14 years later he’s sought out by Scarlett, a gnome, who is also a thief and member of the Thieves Guild, who wants to recruit him to take down the about to be crowned regent…but it’s oh so much more complicated than that!

This book was full of deliciously vibrant characters, all of whom I absolutely loved!

Lana…oh you made me laugh so many times with you short fuse and longing for rum! 🤣🤣🤣 The camaraderie with Jack and quartermaster Big Rig, was an absolute delight, and i fell in love with The Salty Scoundrels. There’s even a little bit of a mature love story in here, which in no way overshadowed the centre of the story.

The world building was so beautifully done and the story is woven with great detail, without being heavy in the slightest.

There were some incredibly sad moments, amongst all the gallivanting, which were unexpected and so hit that bit harder. Jonathan has proven he’s not afraid to kill off characters, but it was done with compassion and had depth and meaning when it happened 🥺🥺

I am so so grateful to have been sent this as an ARC, and sincerely hope we get more from Jonathan in this genre, as it is righ in my wheelhouse, and he’s excellent at this style of writing.

A nod must go to Rowena Andrews for the sea shanty she wrote for this. It really fits the story.

I will be looking out for more from Jonathan, that’s for sire.

Go grab this ya land lubbers.. yo ho ho & more bottles of rum!!! 🤣🤣🤣